Nothing says summertime like a bowl of freshly-picked fruit. When the warm weather hits, grab the whole family and enjoy the best strawberry picking in New York. These extra-sweet destinations will certainly inspire delicious seasonal baking that the whole clan will love—plus time outdoors certainly beats a trip to the grocery store.

What are you waiting for? Pack the kiddos, grab a few baskets and get ready to indulge. These strawberry picking spots will leave you hungry for more, so don’t venture out on a full stomach!

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to where to pick your own fruits and vegetables near NYC

Strawberry picking in New York

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Fishkill Farms

Travel Time: 2 hours by car

This diversified fruit and vegetable farm includes over 60+ acres of orchards, vegetable plantings and berry patches. It even has three greenhouses and grows pumpkins during the fall. But this New York strawberry picking spot isn’t just about the produce. On weekends, Fishkill serves food and beverages—expect hamburgers and hot dogs from the apple-wood grill at the farm, plus soft drinks and fresh-pressed cider (when it’s in season). 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction (845-897-4377, fishkillfarms.com). Daily 9am–6pm. Pay per carton/lb.

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Lawrence Farms Orchards

Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car

A family-owned fruit and veggie farm is just the place to visit during long, hot summers. Kids can cool off by munching on strawberries, sweet cherries, sour cherries, apricots, peaches, gooseberries and more throughout the season. Little ones will also love checking out the farm’s show chickens and goats that hang out nearby. As the cherry on top, the farm offers horse-drawn carriage rides on weekends. 39 Colandrea Rd, Newburgh (845-562-4268, lawrencefarmsorchards.com). Daily 9am–4pm from June through October. $3, children under 2 free. Pay per carton/lb.

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Lewin Farms

Travel Time: 2.5 hours by car

This gorgeous 110-acre pick-your-own berry farm offers ripe strawberries in June, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries through August, plus peaches, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, apples, pumpkins, gourds and even Christmas trees, depending on the month you visit. In the fall, be sure to check out Lewin’s corn maze, which features a new design over five acres every year. 812 Sound Ave, Calverton (631-929-4327, lewinfarm.com). Monday–Sunday, except Tuesday, 9am-5pm Memorial Day Weekend–Nov 21. Pay per carton/lb.

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Ochs Orchard

Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car

Come June, this sweet farm is packed with juicy strawberries just waiting to be picked! And that’s not all—there’s a small petting zoo where kids can meet cute animals (mini goats, donkeys and ducks) and it’s also an amazing place to see some gorgeous valley views! Pack a picnic and make a day of the strawberry picking adventure (but don’t be surprised if you’ve eaten all your fruit by the time it’s through). 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick (845-986-1591, orchorchard.net). Open Tues–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm June–October. Pay per carton/lb.

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Patty’s Berries and Bunches

Travel Time: 2.5 hours by car

New Yorkers flock to Long Island during the summer months for excellent strawberry picking, and understandably so. Patty’s Berries and Bunches—which grows a variety of fruits on its 40 acres—is always on the top of the list. When you and your crew are done munching on fruit, be sure to swing by the ice cream patch that serves unique seasonal flavors made from the farm’s fruits.410 Sound Ave, Mattituck (631-298-4679 , pattysberriesandbunches.com). Daily 9am–5:30pm, June–Aug. $5 entry fee includes one container of berries.

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Mead Orchards

Travel Time: 2 hours by car

With 180 acres of fruit and vegetable farm to explore, Mead Orchards is definitely worth the trip. From June through October, fruits and berries are available for pick-your-own only on weekends, but luckily for us, you’ll be able to pick plump strawberries every day in June (weekdays 3pm-7pm, weekends 10am-6pm). Be sure to return later in the season for cherries, blueberries and peaches and then apples and pumpkins come fall. 17 Scism Rd, Tivoli (845-756-5641, meadorchards.com).Pay per carton/lb.

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Greig Farm

Travel Time: 2.5 hours by car

There’s a lot to love about Greig Farm. When you’re not busy hunting for strawberries, snacking on snap peas (which are in season July and August) or filling your basket with other delicious treats—raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, you can take the kiddies for a quick peek at the Koi fish pond. Once the tykes are done munching, they’ll be first in line to feed the pygmy goats. 227 Pitcher Ln, Red Hook (845-758-1234, greigfarm.com). Daily 9am–5pm. Pay per carton/lb.

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Samascott Orchards

Travel Time: 3 hours by car

Summer offerings at this farm include all types of berries, peaches, plums, peas, tomatoes, apples and more. Samascott is also known for its September and October corn maze, so be sure to come back for another visit in the fall and pick your Halloween pumpkins while you’re there. 5 Sunset Ave, Kinderhook, (518-758-7224, samascott.com). Open Mon–Sun 9am–8pm June–October. Min purchase $5 per person; fruit priced per lb.

Enjoy more exciting activities for kids

There are plenty of outdoor activities for kids in New York City—many you'll even love doing as a family! Explore the coolest skating rinks, parks, family attractions, and campgrounds in cooler weather, and check out our favorite NYC beaches, swimming pools and berry-picking hotspots when it's toasty.